What Is the Difference Between the Old and New Testament?
What Is the Difference Between the Old and New Testament? The Old Testament records God's covenant with Israel through the Law and prophets; the New Testament reveals the new covenant through Jesus Christ.
Key verse: Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
The Old Testament records God's covenant with Israel through the Law and prophets; the New Testament reveals the new covenant through Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament records God's covenant with Israel through the Law and prophets; the New Testament reveals the new covenant through Jesus Christ.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." — Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
The Bible's two testaments form one unified story. The Old Testament (39 books) covers creation through about 400 BC, documenting God's creation of the world, His covenant with Abraham and Israel, the Mosaic Law, the prophets, and Israel's history. The New Testament (27 books) records the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the birth of the church, and the apostles' letters to early Christians. The Old Testament points forward to a coming Messiah; the New Testament reveals that Messiah as Jesus. Jesus said He came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). The old covenant was based on law and sacrifice; the new covenant is based on grace and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 8:6-13). Together, they tell one story of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
"In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
What Is the New Covenant?
The New Covenant is God's promise, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, to write His law on believers' hearts, forgive sins permanently, and establish a personal relationship with His people.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
What Is the Oldest Book in the Bible?
Most scholars believe the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, predating even Genesis in composition.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What is the difference between faith and works?
Sin & Salvation
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
History & Origins
Psalm 94:20 Commentary
In-depth study • No Fellowship Between God and Unjust Power
Numbers 6:25 Commentary
In-depth study • Old Testament Foundations
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Difference Between the Old and New Testament?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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